Name: Waisak (Vesak Day) at Borobudur
Start: 2027-05-20
End: 2027-05-20
Location: Borobudur Temple

May 2027 is a packed month for public holidays in Indonesia, with Labor Day, Ascension Day, Eid al-Adha and Waisak (Vesak Day) all falling within a three-week stretch.

The highlight for travelers is Waisak at Borobudur, when thousands of monks and pilgrims gather at Indonesia’s largest Buddhist temple to mark the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha on the year’s first full moon in May.

Below is our guide to the most interesting and useful events taking place across Indonesia in May 2027.

Indonesia Events in May 2027 at a Glance

Date	Event	Location	Type
May 1	International Labor Day	Nationwide	National Holiday
May 6	Ascension Day of Jesus Christ	Nationwide, most visible in Christian-majority regions	National Holiday and Religious Observance
May 16 (estimated)	Eid al-Adha (Idul Adha)	Nationwide	National Holiday and Religious Observance
May 20	Waisak (Vesak Day)	Borobudur, Central Java	National Holiday and Religious Festival

May 1: International Labor Day

Location: Nationwide, largest gatherings in Jakarta
Date: May 1, 2027
Type: National holiday

May Day is a national public holiday in Indonesia, and it is also traditionally the day when labor unions hold organized marches and rallies, particularly in Jakarta, calling for improved wages and working conditions.

For most travelers the day passes quietly as a normal public holiday, though those in central Jakarta should expect road closures and heavier traffic near government buildings if demonstrations are planned.

May 6: Ascension Day of Jesus Christ

Location: Nationwide, especially Christian-majority regions such as North Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara and parts of Papua
Date: May 6, 2027
Type: National holiday and religious observance

Ascension Day falls 39 days after Easter Sunday and is a public holiday across Indonesia, reflecting the country’s sizeable Christian minority alongside its Muslim, Hindu and Buddhist populations.

Church services are held nationwide, with the most visible public observance in Christian-majority regions. In Bali and other Hindu or Muslim-majority areas, the day functions mainly as a quiet public holiday rather than a major visible event.

May 16 (Estimated): Eid al-Adha (Idul Adha)

Location: Nationwide
Date: May 16, 2027 (estimated)
Type: National holiday and religious observance

Eid al-Adha, known locally as Idul Adha or Hari Raya Haji, commemorates the Prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son in obedience to God, and coincides with the culmination of the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca.

The day is marked by communal prayers followed by the ritual sacrifice (qurban) of livestock, usually goats, sheep or cattle, with the meat distributed to family, neighbors and those in need. Mosques and community squares across the country hold organized qurban distributions.

Travelers should expect government offices, banks and many businesses to close for the holiday, along with a shorter secondary travel wave as some Indonesians visit family, though it is generally quieter than the mudik period around Idul Fitri.

May 20: Waisak (Vesak Day) at Borobudur

Location: Borobudur Temple, Magelang, Central Java
Date: May 20, 2027
Type: National holiday and religious festival

Waisak commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha, and is celebrated on the first full moon of May. Indonesia’s national Waisak ceremony is centered on Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple, in Central Java.

The day’s rituals begin at the smaller Mendut and Pawon temples, where monks in orange robes gather before walking in procession several kilometers to Borobudur, carrying candles, flowers and incense as they chant.

Under the full moon, thousands of monks, nuns and pilgrims from across Indonesia and abroad hold prayers and meditation at Borobudur through the night, creating one of the most striking religious spectacles in the country.

Visitors who are not part of the Buddhist community can typically watch the procession and ceremony from designated public areas around the temple complex, though access to the temple itself may be restricted during the core ritual hours.

What Are the Best Events to See in Indonesia in May 2027?

If you are choosing events specifically around a holiday itinerary, these are the ones we would prioritize:

For the single most visually striking cultural and religious event this month: Waisak at Borobudur
For understanding how your trip may be affected: Eid al-Adha, when many businesses close and qurban distributions take place nationwide

Planning a May Trip to Indonesia?

If you are planning to see Waisak at Borobudur, our Indonesia Transport Guide can help you plan the journey from Jakarta or Yogyakarta to Magelang, Central Java.

If Bali is your main destination, you can combine the May events calendar with our Bali for First-Time Visitors guide, best time to visit Bali guide and 10-day Bali itinerary.

Travelers arriving through Denpasar should also check our Bali Airport Guide before arrival.

Some music and food festivals in Java and Bali, including the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival and the Ubud Food Festival, are also tentatively expected in late May 2027, though neither had confirmed dates at the time of writing, so check official channels before booking around them.

May 2027 Events in Indonesia: Important Note

Like all Islamic holidays, Eid al-Adha’s exact date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon and is confirmed by Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs shortly beforehand, so May 16 should be treated as a well-sourced estimate rather than a certainty until closer to the date.

Waisak’s public ceremony hours and access rules at Borobudur can change year to year and are usually confirmed only a few weeks in advance by the temple management and Indonesia’s Buddhist organizations, so confirm current arrangements before finalizing your itinerary.

If you are planning a boat trip to Komodo National Park, May generally offers calmer seas as the dry season becomes established, making it one of the more reliable months for sailing in the region.

Browse Other Months

Sources

Planning a wider Southeast Asia trip?

Vietnam With Me — practical Vietnam travel guides

Cambodia With Me — practical Cambodia travel guides

Siam With Me — Thailand travel guides

Singapore With Me — Singapore travel guides

Indonesia Events in May 2027: Waisak at Borobudur and Eid al-Adha